While it pays homage to the original, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis carves out its own future. Offering seamlessly interconnected locations in each environment, it also offers completely overhauled visuals and new additions like Lara’s climbing pickaxe from the Survivor trilogy.
That said, Crystal Dynamics isn’t trying to inflate the experience. Speaking to MP1st, experience director Jeff Adams was asked whether the remake is about as long as the original (so about 12 to 15 hours).
“I’m comfortable saying we’re somewhere in that 14-to-16-hour range of play, depending on your play style,” said Adams. However, he doesn’t want players to rush through and finish the game, emphasizing the importance of taking their time. Smell the flowers or, in Lara’s, the dust from centuries-old tombs.
“But what I also like to tell everyone when we talk about this is not to feel rushed. We’ve intentionally built a world that’s meant to draw you in and make you curious to explore, so you don’t have to put a timer on yourself.”
He also advises going in completely blind, including staying off social media. “Take your time. Take in the immersive ambience the audio team has created. Let that feeling of isolation wash over you, and understand that it’s part of what makes Tomb Raider so special. But yes, I understand we live in a world of spoilers, so all I can recommend is maybe turning off social media for a while and letting yourself enjoy the game. You’ll be rewarded for it.”
Of course, if you still remember the magic of the original, then Crystal Dynamics assures that the emotional weight of those “moments, vistas, objects that stick in your memory” remains untouched. Time will tell if it can deliver, but for now, it certainly looks like it lives up to the hype.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12th, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Head here to see actor Bradley Snedeker bring Larson Conway, one of the antagonists, to life behind the scenes.
